As we examine the origin and history of
visual effects, from time to time we will come across masterpieces of
the art of the opening title. There is a short list of such
openings, openings that define the genre and which are as good as the
cinema has ever done. Others, though a little more dated, are still
important and can be appreciated if you can find your inner child and
put yourself in the movie theatre in 1932.
Here we review the first 90 seconds of
the 1932 classic The Mummy directed by Karl Freund and
starring Boris Karloff.
I quote the words from the Scroll of
Thoth:
Oh ! Amon Ra! Oh ! God of Gods !
Death is but the doorway to new
life
We live today, We shall live again,
In many forms shall we return, Oh
Mighty One.
Careful readers will notice the single credit for Special Effects on card #4 above. Also note the reference to the character "Frau Muller" who perhaps reprises her role in Young Frankenstein (1974).
Now remember what we are talking about
here. A classic Universal horror film in the days before television,
before even color film, intended to be viewed on a Saturday afternoon
for a nickle. To my mind, the titles and music are perfect and
completely introduce the movie.
You should do as well when you do the
opening titles for your movie.
The Mummy on IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023245/
The Mummy on IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023245/
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